Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

Some people are able to use drugs (both recreational or prescription) without any of the negative consequences of abuse or addiction. However, for many others, using drugs leads to a variety of problems. Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs (using the drugs in ways other than directed). Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes compulsive drug abuse, despite the harmful effects. Drug addicts are not able to control their consumption of drugs and may go to great lengths to obtain drugs. If your drug use is impacting your life, work, health or relationships you might have a drug addiction or abuse problem, regardless of how little or how infrequently you use drugs. Both drug abusers and drug addicts can get help from a qualified mental health professional. Family members of drug addicts can also benefit from therapy, which can help them develop healthy and supportive ways of coping.

Local Experts in Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

I am a certified Alcohol and Drug counselor in the state of Oregon and Washington and find this is an issue that affects many. Those using as well as those who love them. I have come to believe that addiction is no more than in imbalance in one's life where what used to help them cope in life has not changed to more of a negative than positive experience. Compassion is key in this process.

I am licensed as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor I (CADCI) in the state of Oregon, and have worked in both residential and outpatient settings. I work with co-occurring disorders, and can help you understand whether you have problems of abuse or dependence.

Substance use (alcohol/drugs/behavioral addictions) pose a challenge to so many people. They serve us in some way, and then don\'t serve us in other ways. If they didn\'t do anything for us, we wouldn\'t struggle to make changes with them. Determining how you can and want to change your relationship with substances is a passion of mine and I\'ve seen many people succeed in our work together.

I have devoted the last 24 years of my professional life to counseling people with substance abuse and “co-occurring” mental health disorders. I am enriched and inspired by this work. Since 2001, I've been a Certified- Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Social Worker. I use Motivational Interviewing, 12 Step Recovery, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention, Recovery Management, and more.

I received my Master's degree in Professional Mental Health and Addictions Studies. I spent my practical and internship experiences working with populations in both community counseling, correctional and residential treatment with drug and alcohol dependencies, completed prerequisite coursework for the Gambling Addictions Certification, and continue to work with clients with addiction issues.

I understand the nuances of addiction and recovery - looking at the root cause of drug use and working from there on up helps my clients reduce feelings of shame and guilt. Helping them to make sense of 'why am I this way''?

I have been in the field of recovery from addiction for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live a healthy, successful, and meaningful life free from the bondage of addiction/substance abuse.

Addiction is a survival skill. Alcohol and drugs help to keep the feelings of trauma, worry, and stress tolerable. Until an imaginary line is crossed where the consequences of the addiction take a toll. Having fun, reducing shame, regulating emotions, and reacting less to life's problems are some of a few ways I work. I work with Harm Reduction ideas as well as abstinence based concepts.

I have extensive training in treatment of substance abuse as well as addictive and compulsive behaviors (shopping, gambling, compulsive sexuality). I treat compulsive behaviors and addictions from the perspective of learning how to live, and I use a harm-reduction approach.

If you are having difficulty with addiction, I have helped many clients to work on having and maintaining sobriety. I can help you to address underlying issues that may be causing relapse and abuse. If you are willing to take a look at harm reduction and eventually sobriety, then I can help you with your process.

I have over 20 years of experience working with women, men, teens who have drug dependence/abuse/addiction issues. My knowledge has afforded me the opportunity to know how different drugs affect the brain and body. We will explore the beginnings and work on the cycle of ending. It all depends on you.

Humans do not want to feel pain & love to repeat things that feel good. Every person I know who misuses substances/gaming/sex/gambling has been to avoiding bad feelings generally related to their past. Add the chemical component in our bodies & you get people who keep doing what they should not do despite how much loved ones beg for it to stop. It is time for you to start feeling & living better.

I strongly believe that addiction is self medication for coping up with difficult issues that people struggle with, such as finding meaning of life, sustainability, chronic pain, relationships issues, failures, life roles etc. My work with people dealing with addiction includes having compassionate understanding, focusing on DBT skills, having a sound relapse prevention plan and mindfulness.

I believe that use of drugs/alcohol often starts out as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain. While initially effective, this way of coping can lead to greater problems and become unmanageable. I can work with you to identify what purposes your use has served, and create a plan to reduce or stop your use while introducing skills and strategies to get your needs met in more effective ways.

My primary specialty over the past 20 years has been working with people who are in the grips of alcohol and/or drug addiction or struggling with substance abuse that is beginning to cause problems in their lives. As a recovering addict myself, I have a great affinity toward helping others with these kinds of problems.

Despite our society still stigmatizing this challenge, it affects us all either within ourselves, our families, our workplaces...everywhere. The human brain is vulnerable to chemicals and habits. I have many years of experience working in addiction and dual diagnosis treatment and I have a passion for working with individuals and families impacted by this common struggle. I believe in recovery.

I’m a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and enjoy working with those struggling with patterns of substance use. Whether your teen is using meth, you’re a successful professional concerned about your use of opiates, or you’re worried about your partner, I’m here to help. I have no interest in stereotypes or labels and am here to provide the support you need to reach your goals.

Author Deepak Chopra says drug addiction is a \'misguided spiritual quest\' and this makes a lot of sense to me. Break the habitual pattern of drug use and we break lots of old destructive patterns in our lives that have unconsciously been using or even draining our energy. When we free ourselves from these we find a sense of liberation, meaning, and direction along our path.

My doctoral dissertation was part of a larger study with UCLA examining a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence. I have had years of education and years with working with addiction treatment and I also received my certification as an addictions treatment counselor (CATC-V).

If you are struggling with addiction, whether it be alcohol, prescription medication, sex, food, gambling, street drugs, or any other mood-altering experience, recovery is possible. Through therapy, I will support you in gaining insight into the function the addiction has served in your life, learn effective coping skills, and develop an increased sense of options and potential.

I am a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and I was a Family Therapist at 2 treatment facilities in the Portland area for 3 years. Currently I am an Addictions Specialist at a Mental Health Agency downtown and I also practice the CRAFT Model (Community Reinforcement & Family Training), working with families who have a loved one using substances.

Addiction comes in many forms. Whether you are dealing with alcohol, drugs, shopping, food or sex addiction, get help, you don't have to do it alone. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), NA, SCA, Harm Reduction, CBT Mindfulness techniques are all some of the methods that I use in working with the addictive process. Together we can help you regain balance in your life.

I started my career working with addictions and codependency using the Johnson Family Institute training. I am qualified to explore diverse addiction issues- and help clients make decisions about further addictions treatment they may need to pursue or I can continue with them on an outpatient basis when weekly therapy is appropriate. I support 12 step programs, but other approaches may fit.

I bring a holistic view to addiction recovery, helping others to bring attention to development of the whole person. You can think of this as different levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, or as accessing inner and outer resources. I have 8 years counseling experience working with individuals in various stages of their journey in recovery in a variety of settings.

I have worked at a drug and alcohol recovery center since 2016. I provide support for those dealing with addiction in the areas of sexual health, true consent, setting and maintaining boundaries, addressing past trauma, harm reduction, and reclaiming healthy sexual pleasure.

I bring a holistic, harm reduction perspective to drug and alcohol counseling. My goal is to help you to create healthy relationships with the substances, behaviors, and people you engage with in your life. I will help you to address underlying issues and develop self-compassion as you make incremental changes that support your life goals.

Most people don't start out by saying, 'I want to become a drug addict.', and yet it is place where many find themselves lost, hopeless and unable to escape. Whether drug use started recreationally, socially, intentionally or for chronic physical and emotional pain, there is a way out.

In a society where pain/discomfort is sought to be vanquished immediately, it is no surprise substances runs rampant. Changing one\'s relationship to substances of abuse requires recognizing the pain source(s) and remedying it. Boredom, trauma, parental history of use, social basis/peer influence, lack of coping skills, etc... can all bring on unhealthy use of substances.

People need to feel safe and connected and will do what it takes to get that feeling. Addictive behaviors serve a need that is not getting met in life. Addictive and co-dependent behaviors are also passed down through family systems. I help motivate people to identify what their habits are doing for them so they can decide if they want to cut back or quit a behavior that has outlived its use.

If you are struggling with addiction, whether it is alcohol, prescription medication, sex, food, street drugs, or any other mood-altering experience, recovery is possible. Through therapy, I will support you in gaining insight into the function addiction has served in your life, help you learn effective coping skills, and develop an increased sense of options and potential.

I believe that recovery is a process and a lifestyle. In my work with people recovering from opiate and other substance addiction, I build a relationship based on trust, skills, and nonjudgmental awareness. Using motivational interviewing and dialectical behavior therapy, I help people learn to make the choices they're ready for with skills to make them stick.

I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor who takes a nonjudgmental approach to people's substance use. I strive to work collaboratively with people to better understand their relationship with substances and find ways to change that relationship. I have over a decade of experience working with people struggling with substances. There is nothing wrong with you and things can be different.

Dealing with an addiction can feel overwhelming. Many people need help to stop using substances. I am available for both short term consultation and referral (e.g., to determine if an addiction exists, and if so, the appropriate level of care) and for in-depth psychotherapy once someone has committed to sobriety.

I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I, and my degree concentration was in addictions. I find that a majority of the clients that I see with substance abuse issues also have experienced trauma. It is critical to balance the treatment of each. I find my training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness has proved extremely effective with these issues.

A significant area of my work includes the many years of working in the field of substance abuse and the therapeutic services needed to support alcohol and substance abusers. I am drawn to work with those who are confused or suffering with substance abuse/addiction and the affect it has on the relationships around them.